Subject: Cast Net (or Throw, Brail Net)
Sent 24 mar 01

Cast nets are hand held nets that are cast or thrown into the water. When thrown 
properly, the net will open up and land on the surface of the water in a flat 
circular shape (similar to a large pancake). There are weights around the edge 
of the net which will cause it to sink quickly, trapping the fish underneath the 
net. There are brail lines (sometimes called tuck lines) running from the edge 
of the net (the leadline) to the center hole where they are attached to a 
handline. When the handline is pulled, the brail lines will draw up, closing the 
net to form a pocket, catching the fish. Then the whole net is pulled up out of 
the water. These nets are very popular for catching shrimp, bait fish (shiners, 
minnows, shad, etc.), and mullet.

http://www.nylonnet.com/castnets.htm
http://www.castnets.com/cart/addprod.asp
http://www.newsherald.com/archive/features/nw071298.htm

I have seen cast nets used effectively at the coast.  I have seen it even used 
to ketch relatively large fish.  I believe they would also be effective in fresh 
water steams and lakes.  Has any one use it this way?  Also, I am trying to 
determine what size would be best.  The larger the mesh the faster it will drop 
in the water.  If the mesh is two large then smaller fish can escape through the 
mesh.  If one wants to catch only small fish then the smaller mesh is best.   I 
currently understand that a 3 ft net opens to about 6 ft.  Does anyone have any 
opinion on what size an average person can handle and what would be the optimum 
mesh size for fresh water streams and lakes?   This is assuming if hungry enough 
we can eat quite a size range of fish.  I am thinking in a fast moving stream 
you want the heaver professional weights so it will sink fast.   I am also 
thinking if wading in water it may be hard to throw a large net. 

Any shared experience or opinions on the subject is appreciated.








Cargo nets